We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on February 27, 2014.
Prayer: You are present with us, God, on the mountaintops and in the valleys. Amen. Reading: Psalm 99 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Oh, sure, verses 6 and 7 speak of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. They cried to the Lord, and he answered them. Of course. They were Moses, Aaron and Samuel! What about me? Where is my mountain? And if I go there will that guarantee an answer? Let’s hear a portion of Psalm 99 this way: The Lord establishes relationships with those who call upon Him. The priests and prophets of history heard his voice and followed His course for their lives. His servants and disciples of this hour sense His presence and communicate His love and grace to those who reach out for Him. The Lord does reign over this world! He is the Lord and Master over all the earth. --from Psalms/Now by Leslie Brandt (2003) To those of history and those of this hour, the Lord communicates His love and grace. My favorite mountains are the ones I see at Camp Mount Luther but we know there are many other kinds of mountains in our lives. Whatever mountains we are at the bottom of, climbing up, standing atop or coming down from, God is present with us. That is Good News indeed! --Ruth Gates
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Prayer: Dear God, your Spirit gives us hope and boldness. May we live and look like we have your power. Amen
Reading: 2 Corinthians 3: 12 - 4: 2 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Since then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness... (2 Cor. 3: 12a) There is a photo from camp of counselors and campers at the pool standing in superhero poses, towels tied like capes. It's on the third page of the Mount Luther Summer 2019 catalog. Check it out: https://www.campmountluther.org/programs/summer-camp/ There is such spirit in that picture that I can't look at it without busting up laughing or at least grinning ear to ear. What cracks me up is the genuine sincerity of the counselors in their depiction of a superhero. They actually look like they just might be able to leap a tall building in a single bound. Not only that, the campers are looking up at them like they really could. I don't know. It may be because by halfway through a summer of weeks of camp and campers by the dozens, the counselors truly have developed super powers - physical, emotional and spiritual. What I do know is the Holy Spirit has given them hope and boldness. That is their, and our, superpower. Especially when wearing capes. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: May time spent with you, Lord, brighten our lives and may we let that light shine to all today. Amen
Reading: Exodus 34: 29-35 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: There was a song I would sing with my preschool students during what we called our Morning Meeting. It went: Good morning to you! Good morning to you! We're all in our places, with bright shining faces. And this is the way, to start a new day. Moses came down from Mount Sinai and the skin of his face shone because he had been talking to God. What if we started each day talking to God. Would our faces, in a way, shine? Granted, Moses's shining face was so extreme Aaron and all the people were afraid to come near him so we wouldn't necessarily want that. It was so bright, Moses had to cover his face with a veil! No, I am thinking more along the lines of This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine...Hide it under a bushel, no! I'm gonna let it shine. Good morning to you, Lord. I'm in my place with a bright, shining face. This is the way to start a new day! -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Dear God, show us how to help those who struggle. We are in awe of your power and those who are touched by your love. May we be that love to those with special needs. Amen
Reading: Luke 9: 28-36 (37-43) (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Jesus removed the demon from a young boy. Family and friends were awed by His healing powers. How can we help someone heal? How can we help those who struggle? Recently a local church sponsored a prom for young people with special needs. They danced, sang, and enjoyed a catered dinner. As a child I remember “Willie.” He would walk through town with his wagon selling bags of peanuts. And then there was Joe at the local YMCA who would take your nickel for a coke (in a glass bottle!) from the ice chest. In later years he would stamp your tax bill “paid”. There are ways we can help those with struggles or special needs. Let God show us how. -- Alice Yeakel Today, we look at a Day 2 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Transformed Community: God’s Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E.”
Prayer: Loving God, we turn to you at this moment and we fully recognize and proclaim that we are unworthy of your attention. Yet, you not only listen but actually care. You not only care but interrupt my world with your graceful presence. I don’t really understand you, but you have made me love you more than I can understand myself. Thank you! Amen. Reading: Philippians 2:5-11 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: We have all had this So delicious was the cookie Now the plate is empty Only small crumbs remain. So tasty was the hot extraction of coffea arabica Now the white ceramic cup is empty. Empty. I wanted more. I had turned to the cup for one more sip. (Okay, maybe two.) The source is empty. The supply is empty. Empty is not a good word. Feeling or emotion could be anger, disappointment or frustration. How do you, Son of Humanity, evoke joy? Is it because your empty overflows? Or that I don’t have to be that word? You always refill me (or anyone else that needs God). Your life overwhelms. My cup is not bottomless. But you. You turned death upside down until life flows out. Now we stand under your flowing faucet, your holy rain. --Andrew Fitch Prayer: When we feel like fretting, may we trust and commit our way to you. Help us through the calamities of life.
Reading: Psalm 37: 1-11, 39-40 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: One of my favorite characters from a recent novel, when confronted with doubt and confusion, would exclaim, "O calamity!" Have you ever felt this way? Sort of flummoxed, ready to bite your nails, tear out your hair, or just quit and go to bed? This, then, is the time to turn to God. Read again Psalm 37. Commit to Him. He will help you through the calamities. -- Alice Yeakel Prayer: Dear God, while we may not know exactly what the resurrection of the body may look like, what is important is we know now and forever you love everyone more than we can possibly imagine. Thank you. Amen
Reading: I Corinthians 15: 35-38, 42-50 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: The adult son of a co-worker of mine is missing. He was last seen at his apartment in Brooklyn three weeks ago. He had been in a car accident and may suffered a brain injury. He also struggles with mental illness and is in need of medical attention. I cannot imagine the agony his mother is going through as each day goes by with no word or sight of her son. She has absolutely no idea where he might be. Somewhere here or gone beyond. Our text today is about the resurrection body. While it explains a lot, it still does not give a clear answer except that we have been born of dust and will bear the image of God. Someone once told me when I was very concerned about a person, "As much as you love (your loved one), God loves him/her even more." I told that to my co-worker and she was grateful for the bit of peace it gave her. -- Ruth Gates We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on August 12, 2014.
Reading: Genesis 45: 1-28 (Click to read text) Reflection: In the first line of our story for today, we are told that Joseph could no longer control himself. He sent others away and confronted his brothers, letting them know who he was. He even cried. Have you ever gotten to a point when you could no longer control yourself? Are there times that a revelation or something else has you bursting at the seams, that you just need to open up and share it? I think that is the work of the Spirit. Sometimes, we bottle things inside and for our own good, we just need to let it out. That happened to me this summer. We were in a staff meeting and after a lengthy discussion about one topic, I just couldn't take it anymore. I burst out, probably like Joseph, and said that I couldn't contain it anymore. I just could not talk about that issue anymore, as I had my fill. Handling your emotions such as this in a healthy way is good. And I think we need to remember that just like Joseph, there is a time when we need to just let everything out! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: God, help us be merciful as you are merciful. Amen
Reading: Luke 6: 27-38 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: These verses are so basic and simple. Yet it is sometimes difficult to practice what we preach. I have met a lot of people and I have to admit some have been hard to like. Is it okay to say that I have learned to “put up” with them? Maybe tolerate is a better word. We need to accept people as they are. Be merciful. (v. 36a) Have you helped in a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter? Or helped in any situation where you are giving more than you can possibly expect to receive back? Sometimes a ‘’thank you’’ is not even forthcoming. It may merely come as a shy smile. That's okay. The best thank you is to God for His love and blessings. God is merciful. (v. 36b) -- Alice Yeakel Today, we look at a Day 2 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Transformed Community: God’s Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E.”
Prayer: Gracious Lord Jesus, help us to see all that you are still doing around us and through us. Guide us to not look for another. Lead us to follow you boldly. In your name we pray. Amen. Reading: Luke 7:18-27 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: How did Jesus not look and act like the One who is to come?! What image of the One who is to come was John looking for? What sorts of things is the One supposed to be doing? Jesus’s list of what he was doing seems pretty amazing! I don’t think an unholy one could do all those things. I think a Holy One should have to be able to do those things. Was John in the group of not-getting-it people that thought the Messiah would militarily take over the Promised Land and restore it to the rightful Jewish nation? That was the prevailing thought, but it seems it was also held by the Prophet of the Most High. That was also the prevailing thought among the disciples. No one expected God to be working and fighting through Jesus for a much bigger slice of land—all of it and more. God wants to reclaim hearts and minds for the Kingdom. Once again this gets me wondering how much do we still not get about God’s work? Are we holding onto any misconceptions and misguided stereotypes of with limits. --Andrew Fitch Prayer: Dear God, teach us how to live so we may be like trees. Day and night we meditate. Amen
Reading: Psalm 1 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: We have had a few wind storms lately and I find them unsettling. Especially when they blow in (literally) during the night. I hear the pine cones whipped off the tall pines to the west and pelting the house. I fall back to sleep assuring myself at least it's not the whole trees coming down. Those who delight in the Lord are like trees planted by streams of water. Meanwhile, the wicked are like chaff that the wind drives away. I'll be out in the yard picking up pinecones for hours but the pines are still standing. I will meditate on that day and night. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: We have faith and trust in you, Lord. We believe that you raised Jesus from the dead. Our faith in you is strong. Amen.
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 12-20 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: How strong do you think your faith is? I’m sure you have times of doubt and are unsure of how strong at times. But, you still believe, right? St. Paul tells us in this verse that, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” If we truly believe in the resurrection and that Jesus was raised from the dead, then our faith is good. It’s not futile. And, because of that, we are not still in our sins. That is the good news! Let’s hold on to that and know our faith is not futile! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: May my trust be in you, O Lord. Amen.
Reading: Jeremiah 17: 5-10 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: This verse reminds us who we should trust. Trust in humans? No. Trust God. Jeremiah paints a pretty good picture of what you will be like if you trust God. You’ll be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. You shall not fear when heat comes, and your leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought you will not be anxious, and you will bear fruit. I wonder if we should think about this also in terms of reasoning. Don’t trust human reasoning. Trust God’s reasoning. It reminds me of my favorite proverb: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge God, and God will make straight your paths. --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Dear God, we find hope and comfort in your Word over and over. Thank you for your care as we trust in you. Amen
Reading: Luke 6: 17-26 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: As part of our catechism learning we were required to memorize the Beatitudes from Matthew 5. The verses in Luke are similar...basically. I felt then, and still do, these words are hopeful and comforting. Blessed are the meek, the hungry, those who weep. God will take care of them and us if we put our trust in Him. -- Alice Yeakel Today, we look at a Day 2 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Transformed Community: God’s Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E.”
Prayer: May we share your love with everyone! Amen! Reading: Luke 14:7-14 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Who does God call us to include in our community? This story reminds us that we are to include everyone. We are to go to the “highways and the byways” as the Wedding Banquet song says that we sing at camp. We are to find anyone and everyone to share God’s love with! Maybe today you could make a list of various people you care about but have not been in contact with recently (relatives, friends from old neighborhoods, former teachers, and so forth). Write a letter to each person, thanking them for the ways they have made you feel loved and included. Mail the letters, along with a drawing or photograph of your family. Or, maybe you can help someone today that you normally don’t help. That might even be one of God’s creatures. Fill a bird feeder with seed or donate pet food to an animal shelter. Or, volunteer your time somewhere and help those you may not always think of helping. Share God’s love banquet with all! --Chad Hershberger Prayer: Lord, I call on you each day and you strengthen my soul. Fulfill your purpose for me. Thank you for your steadfast love. Amen
Reading: Psalm 138 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: I have been thinking a lot about purpose lately. Mostly because someone recently asked me what has been my biggest accomplishment and what are my goals. Still thinking or, in other words, praying. Can I get back to you on that? Psalm 138 is all about thanksgiving and praise with a bit of strength, purpose and love mixed in, too. On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steafast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138: 3, 8 So, I am praying today knowing God will answer. God will strengthen my soul and fulfill his purpose for me. I will be thankful for God's love and literally sing praise as choir practice is tonight. Call to God. Whatever our accomplishments and goals are, they are wrapped up in God's love and purpose. So what your yours? You can get back to me on that. -- Ruth Gates Prayer: Help us, God, to see you every day. Amen.
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: At camp, we ask our campers often, “Where have you seen God today?” Their answers vary but most frequently they see God in the helping hand of a fellow camper or staff member, in the beauty of creation, or in how we treat one another at camp. We try to get them to be on the lookout for God in their everyday lives. Paul is reminding us of that in our Bible text for today. He reminds us that our risen Jesus still appears to us. We should be on the lookout daily for Jesus meeting us where we are. Through Jesus, we see God. Where have you seen God today? --Chad Hershberger We often reprint prior devotions that now reflect on the coming lectionary texts. This is a reprint from a devotion originally published on May 26, 2015.
Prayer: God, help me to be thankful for your son, Jesus Christ, who takes away my sins. Amen. Reading: Isaiah 6:1-13 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: This passage makes me appreciate Jesus even more than I did before. Imagine it: to have your sin and guilt blotted out it took a seraph with a hot coal held by a pair of tongs touching your lips. Ouch! I can’t imagine the pain that I’d feel if that happened. For Memorial Day last night, we were with some friends and made mountain pies. I touched the hot part of the stick and it hurt- and that was nothing compared to these hot coals on Isaiah’s lips. This summer, when I’m standing by a campfire, I’ll think of this story. When I see the hot coals, instead of thinking about how they would make a great cooking fire (which is usually what I do), I’ll instead be reminded about Jesus’ sacrifice for us and be thankful that I don’t have to have hot coals on my lips. –Chad Hershberger Prayer: Jesus, you call us in unique ways. Help us to see unique ways we can catch others with your love, too. Amen
Reading: Luke 5: 1-11 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: My church camp was situated on a small lake. During our camping week we would have several Galilean Services. The pastor or camp director would row across the water and talk to the campers on shore from his canoe. A second canoe would follow with a small group of brass or guitar players and we would sing simple hymns. This would happen in the evening as the sun was setting or early morning while the mist was still on the lake. As a young camper of 10 or 12 years old, I thought this was beautiful way to worship and I still feel that way. God wants us all to be fishers of men in our own unique way. Galilean Worship was one for us at camp. What do you think might catch someone today? Might be an idea from long ago but it could still work. Try it. Share it. -- Alice Yeakel Today, we look at a Day 1 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Transformed Community: God’s Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E.”
Prayer: Great God, we praise you for your almighty power that you choose to use for our deliverance. Guide us to share this good news with all people. Loosen our grip to share in the feasting with all in need. In your great name we pray. Amen. Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9 (Click to read text) Stop and GROW: After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers. QUESTION 1: What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text? QUESTION 2: What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story? QUESTION 3: What stories or memories does this text stir in me? QUESTION 4: What is God up to in this text? Reflection: Changing the sheets with a young child or puppy can be quite the adventure. Before you know it you aren’t sure what is clean and which way the sheets are supposed to be going and suddenly piles or forts are being constructed. Clean sheets are a good thing. Clean sheets for a record of errors is a professional accomplishment. In this case the sheet is not a good thing that God removes. God is changing the sheets and remaking the bed of the world that we live in. It isn’t just a feast, it is a house cleaning in God’s kingdom. God is taking out the trash and washing away the sin. We rejoice and take part in the sparkly shiny goodness. --Andrew Fitch |
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